Two Different Species of <i>Mycoplasma</i> Endosymbionts Can Influence Trichomonas vaginalis Pathophysiology
Valentina Margarita, Nicholas P. Bailey, Paola Rappelli, Nicia Diaz, Daniele Dessì, Jennifer M. Fettweis, Robert P. Hirt, Pier Luigi Fiori
Abstract
system of single and/or double infections in isogenic protozoan recipients. Comparative growth experiments and transcriptomics data demonstrate that the composition of different microbial consortia influences the growth of the parasite and significantly modulates its transcriptomic profile, including metabolic enzymes and virulence genes such as adhesins and pore-forming proteins. The data on modulation from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) correlated closely with those of the cytopathic effect and adhesion to human target cells. We propose the hypothesis that the presence and the quantitative ratios of endosymbionts may contribute to modulating protozoan virulence. Our data highlight the importance of considering pathogenic entities as microbial ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of the development of integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.